Premiered in September of 2013, The Social has grown into one of Canada’s most compelling daytime talk shows, where conversation isn’t just presented, it’s lived in real time. Produced by Bell Media and airing on CTV and CTV 2, the series has built its reputation on bold dialogue, cultural awareness, and a willingness to tackle topics that matter.
Blending news, lifestyle, and pop culture with an unfiltered perspective, the show thrives on interaction, inviting audiences into the conversation through social platforms and live engagement. At its core is a panel of voices that reflect the complexity of modern life, where differing opinions are not only welcomed, but essential.
In a rapidly shifting media landscape, The Social continues to evolve, shaped by the women at the table, their experiences, and their ability to navigate change with honesty and intention.
Melissa Grelo
A longtime broadcaster and one of the foundational voices of The Social, Melissa Grelo brings clarity, composure, and candour to every discussion. Her ability to balance strong opinions with thoughtful dialogue has helped define the show’s tone from its earliest days.
The Social thrives on strong, diverse perspectives. How essential is it to maintain a balance of viewpoints, even when they clash?
Diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about perspective. Whether shaped by gender, culture, age, or lived experience, those differences give our conversations depth. If we all agreed, there would be no reason to watch.
What matters just as much is how we handle those differences. We’re not just expressing opinions, we’re modelling how to disagree. In a time where division can feel overwhelming, showing that you can listen, respond, and even challenge respectfully is incredibly important. That’s where real dialogue begins.
“You don’t always have to agree, but you do have to listen.”
As a public figure, how have you learned to navigate social media while protecting your well-being?
It’s definitely evolved. Early on, I felt the need to engage with everything—to respond, to defend, to explain. But you quickly realize that not every comment deserves your energy.
Now, I approach it with intention. I’ll engage in meaningful conversations, but I draw a clear line when things become personal or harmful. Protecting your mental space is essential in this environment. At the same time, I don’t lose sight of the positive. Social media has allowed me to connect with viewers in meaningful ways. Some of those interactions have turned into lasting relationships, which reminds me why I stay present in the space.
What life transition has shaped you the most?
Becoming a mother changed everything. It’s not just a shift in responsibility, it’s a shift in identity. You’re no longer navigating life solely for yourself, and that changes how you think, how you prioritize, and how you show up in the world.
There’s also a grieving process that people don’t talk about enough, the quiet letting go of the life you once had. I went through that, trying to find my way back to who I was, only to realize that I wasn’t meant to go back. I was meant to grow into something new. Looking back, I would tell myself to be more patient, more compassionate. Growth doesn’t happen overnight—but when it does, it’s transformative.
Cynthia Loyst
As one of the most distinctive voices on the panel, Cynthia Loyst has built her career around exploring topics often left unspoken. Her work bridges education, empathy, and curiosity, bringing depth to conversations about relationships, identity, and personal well-being.
The path into sex and relationship education often comes from lived experience. Where did yours begin?
It really started with curiosity and a lack of open conversation. I grew up in an environment where these topics weren’t discussed, which left me with more questions than answers.
When my older sister became pregnant at 18, it became clear how important knowledge is. That moment stayed with me. I wanted to understand these issues, not just for myself, but so I could help others feel more informed and empowered. That curiosity led me to study, to produce SexTV, and to engage with experts around the world. What started as a personal search for answers became a lifelong passion.
Your book, Find Your Pleasure, is deeply personal. What impact do you hope it has on readers?
I wanted to create something that felt both intimate and practical, a reflection of the joy I’ve found in my own life. There’s this narrative that pleasure is indulgent or unnecessary, but I see it differently. Pleasure is restorative. It reconnects us to ourselves.
If readers walk away with one thing, I hope it’s permission to embrace joy without guilt, to prioritize themselves, and to recognize that pleasure isn’t something to earn. It’s something to experience. “Pleasure isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity.”
What transition has most shaped your life?
There are two that stand out. The first was moving from behind the scenes to in front of the camera. I was terrified. I had to learn everything from scratch, public speaking, presence, and confidence. It took time and many failures, but it opened a new chapter in my life.
The second was becoming a mother. I wasn’t always sure that path was for me, but it has changed me in ways I never expected. It’s vulnerable, you feel everything more deeply—but it also expands your capacity for connection. Both transitions pushed me beyond what felt comfortable. And that’s where the growth happened.
Jess Allen
With a background that spans journalism, television, and storytelling, Jess Allen brings a thoughtful, observational perspective to The Social. Her voice is grounded, reflective, and often quietly incisive.
Since joining The Social, what has been the most unexpected lesson?
How quickly time moves. You step into something new, and before you know it, years have passed. It forces you to be present, to appreciate the moments as they happen rather than always looking ahead.
There’s something about live television that heightens that awareness—you don’t get to rewind or redo.
You have to be in it, fully.
How has your career shaped your approach to work and life?
Every experience adds something. Journalism taught me how to think critically and communicate clearly. Hospitality taught me how to read people—to understand a room’s energy and respond to it. Those skills translate directly into what we do on the show. You’re constantly adjusting, listening, responding. It’s less about having the perfect answer and more about being present in the conversation.
Do you believe in having a personal mission statement?
Not really. I understand why people find it helpful, but I’ve never felt the need to define things so clearly. Life is unpredictable, and there’s something freeing about not having everything mapped out. If anything, I believe in staying open to experiences, to change, to the unknown. The pressure to have all the answers can actually take away from the experience of living.
“The good parts of life often happen when you stop trying to control it.”
Andrea Bain
A New Voice, A Natural Evolution
When Andrea Bain joined The Social in 2023, it marked a thoughtful evolution for the show—one that reflects both continuity and change. With a career spanning television and radio, including her work with CBC, Bain has built a reputation for connection-driven storytelling. Her ability to move seamlessly between lighthearted moments and meaningful conversations makes her a natural fit for a format that thrives on authenticity.
What sets Bain apart is her presence. She listens with intention, responds with sincerity, and brings a grounded perspective that resonates with viewers. In a space where conversations can shift quickly from cultural commentary to personal reflection, she offers a steady, relatable voice.
Her addition also signals something broader: a continued commitment to relevance. As audiences evolve, so too must the voices that represent them. Bain embodies that shift, bringing fresh energy while honouring the show’s foundation. In many ways, her presence moves the conversation forward with impact.
Jennifer M. Williams | Editor-in-Chief
Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of CTV
